One of the leading hospitality companies in the country, Gondwana, has begun the search for a new managing director. Founding member and current managing director, Mannfred Goldbeck, who has been at the helm for more than 20 years, has decided to hand over the reins to new blood by the end of the year.
Goldbeck will however remain with the company as a senior executive and will focus his energy on Gondwana branding and marketing, as well as on further improving its environmental practices with the aim of achieving truly sustainable tourism.
He will also be focusing on building a Gondwana Hospitality Academy at Stampriet to ensure that Gondwana’s renowned service quality continues to improve by providing young Namibians with new opportunities and skills.
“In brand and marketing lie opportunities for new growth to unlock potential, attracting even more guests eager to discover and explore Namibia,” said Goldbeck while describing how his love for Namibia will be a benefit to all.
The process of appointing a new MD is expected to be facilitated over the next six months by the Gondwana Board. Applicants with relevant qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply. Essential requirements for candidates are a passion for the new Namibia, commitment to the company, understanding of tourism, leadership and vision, a distinctive human approach that exemplifies Gondwana and the ability to lead the company into the next decade while retaining its place among the top tourism companies in the country.
Over the years, Gondwana has created one of the largest privately protected areas in Africa, namely the 127 000-hectare Gondwana Canyon Park. The company has also established 14 lodges country-wide as well as The Delight Hotel in Swakopmund. Gondwana’s staff complement is now over 600 people and the company has welcomed about 2 million guests through its doors.
Furthermore, land that was previously owned by just 11 people is now jointly owned by 64 shareholders representing all sectors of Namibian society. Gondwana has also been the forerunner in making tourism available to Namibians with its popular Gondwana Card. More than that though, with lodges dotted throughout the country, it has enabled people to experience the new Namibia, the positive Namibia, the “yes we can” Namibia as they travel from place to place.
The company has received many accolades over the years including the Equity Empowerment, Investor of the Year and the Most Innovative Tourist Company in Africa awards, as well as a number of environmental honours.